Volume 7, Chapter 423 – The Huxiao Sect Makes Its Move

“This can’t be possible. As everyone knows, divine sense grows alongside cultivation. At best, it matches one’s cultivation level, and at worst, it may weaken due to certain circumstances, like my son’s condition. How could it possibly surpass one’s cultivation?”

Elder Jin immediately voiced his skepticism.

“Elder Jin, you may not be aware, but in the cultivation world, there exists a rare category of artifacts specifically designed to enhance divine sense. It’s entirely possible the Honghua Sect possesses such treasures.”

Steward Cai took over the explanation.

“Such artifacts exist? I truly had no idea.”

Elder Jin’s face revealed a look of astonishment.

“They certainly do. However, focusing solely on divine sense enhancement is considered putting the cart before the horse, which is why few cultivators pursue it. This has led to such artifacts remaining obscure.”

Steward Cai elaborated further.

“Actually, when I observed Cheng Hongling fighting your son earlier, I found it quite strange. Her attack speed was unusually slow, completely unlike a cultivator at the fifth layer of the Incarnation Realm.”

Elder Zuo wore a contemplative expression.

“Slow? Perhaps it’s because your own cultivation is too high. From my perspective as a late-stage Incarnation Realm cultivator, her speed was already quite fast. Faster than most mid-stage Incarnation Realm experts.”

Elder Jin couldn’t help but refute.

“No. The speed you’re referring to is her movement technique. What I mean by ‘slow’ is her actual striking speed, they’re not the same thing!”

Elder Zuo shook his head and clarified, “Her movement is fast because of the Dancing Butterfly Movement Technique, but when she attacks, she can’t rely on that enhancement. Her true speed and power are exposed. Now, combined with your son’s injuries, I can’t help but suspect she’s merely a paper tiger.”

“That makes sense.”

Elder Jin nodded thoughtfully.

“If Cheng Hongling’s only advantage is her divine sense, then dealing with her becomes much simpler.”

Steward Cai’s eyes gleamed.

“Exactly. In the next round, all we need to do is equip the Jinliu Sect’s disciples with powerful divine sense shields. That would render her divine sense useless. With only the second layer of the Incarnation Realm, how much of a stir could she possibly cause?”

Elder Zuo scoffed dismissively, as if he had already confirmed Cheng Hongling’s true strength.

“You’re right!”

Elder Jin shot to his feet in excitement but then slumped back down dejectedly. “But my son and the other disciples suffered severe soul injuries. They’re currently suffering from splitting headaches, will they even be able to compete?”

“No need to worry. I have two Soul-Stabilizing Elixirs here. After consuming them, their three ethereal souls and seven corporeal souls will be greatly reinforced. The headaches will vanish quickly, though their divine sense won’t fully recover immediately.”

Elder Zuo reassured him, extending his hand to reveal two green pills resting on his palm.

“Many thanks, Elder Zuo! This old man is eternally in your debt!”

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Elder Jin was overjoyed, repeatedly cupping his hands in gratitude.

“No need for thanks. As long as you ensure Cheng Hongling is eliminated, that will be repayment enough!”

Elder Zuo made his intentions clear.

“Rest assured, Elder Zuo! Right now, we’d gladly devour that little wretch alive. We’ll give it everything we’ve got!”

Elder Jin gnashed his teeth in assurance.

“Also, don’t forget, that girl’s killing intent is troublesome too. If your disciples plan to use the same method of expelling their essence souls to counter it, make sure someone reliable guards their spatial rings this time. Don’t repeat last round’s mistakes.”

Elder Zuo reminded him sternly.

“Thank you for the warning, Elder Zuo!”

Elder Jin expressed his gratitude sincerely.

After some more idle chatter, Elder Zuo and his disciple took their leave.

“Master, I still have my doubts. Even if Cheng Hongling’s cultivation is only at the second layer of the Incarnation Realm, her talent is extraordinary, and her methods are numerous. Even without divine sense, the Jinliu Sect’s disciples might not be able to defeat her.”

After a long silence, Steward Cai finally spoke up.

“Which is precisely why we need to find her a stronger opponent.”

Elder Zuo’s expression remained cold.

“You mean…?”

Steward Cai inquired curiously.

“The Huxiao Sect, of course. Go and explain the situation to them.”

Elder Zuo commanded.

“Master, Zhou Ming is inherently suspicious. What if he refuses?”

Steward Cai hesitated.

“Hmph. Then tell him Lü Er’s true identity and purpose. Let him decide whether he wants Cheng Hongling or not. This old man won’t do someone else’s dirty work. Expecting to reap benefits without lifting a finger? Since when does the world work that way?”

Elder Zuo snorted coldly.

Left with no choice, Steward Cai accepted the task.

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Not long after, Steward Cai arrived at the Huxiao Sect’s headquarters near the prefectural capital. He met with Sect Master Guo Rong and Elder Zhou Ming, relaying his master’s suspicions.

“Elder Zuo claims her strength is only at the second layer of the Incarnation Realm? Where’s the proof?”

Zhou Ming remained as stubborn as ever.

“Exactly, brother-in-law. What if he’s wrong? If we recklessly send our disciples against her, wouldn’t that be like moths flying into a flame?”

Sect Leader Guo Rong also appeared cautious, unwilling to take unnecessary risks.

“Brother-in-law, to be frank, you might not have a choice this time.”

Steward Cai lost his patience and cut straight to the point.

“Why? Did Elder Zhou order it? We’re family, can’t you put in a good word for us?”

Guo Rong probed.

“It’s not that simple! The real problem is Lü Er!”

Steward Cai shook his head helplessly.

“Lü Er? What does he have to do with this?”

Elder Zhou frowned.

“Brother Zhou, after these past few days at the Evergreen Conference, you must have noticed Lü Er’s interest in Cheng Hongling, right?”

Steward Cai confirmed.

“Even a fool could see it. That guy might as well carve Cheng Hongling’s name into his ancestors’ gravestones.”

Zhou Ming mocked.

“Hah! You’re not far off. He does want to carve her name, but not on a gravestone. On an Immortal Stele!”

Steward Cai chuckled darkly.

“What?! An Immortal Stele?”

At these words, Guo Rong and Zhou Ming straightened in shock.

“Brother Zhou, you wanted to know Lü Er’s identity, didn’t you? He’s the doppelgänger of that monstrous genius from the Weiyuan Empire.”

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Steward Cai dropped the bombshell.

“You mean the Lü family’s prodigy?! That’s impossible! Our two nations are separated by tens of thousands of miles. Why would he come to Yongning Province’s Evergreen Conference? The rewards alone aren’t enticing enough!”

Zhou Ming pressed urgently.

“For Cheng Hongling, of course. You know how irresistible she is to men. Lü Er intends to take her as a concubine.”

Steward Cai laid everything bare.

“Damn it all!”

Guo Rong slammed his palm on the table, his face twisting in frustration. “If that monster is dead set on making her his concubine, then all our efforts will be for nothing!”

“Which is exactly why I’m here. That prodigy said whether or not he takes Cheng Hongling depends on her performance. So you must eliminate that girl as soon as possible. Otherwise, it’ll be too late.”

Steward Cai spoke earnestly.

“I see! Who is the Honghua Sect’s other opponent?”

After a moment of contemplation, Guo Rong gritted his teeth and asked.

A relieved smile spread across Steward Cai’s face. “The Quanda Sect from Cang Province. Given their strength, they stand no chance against the Honghua Sect. They’ll be more than willing to swap opponents.”

“Elder Zhou, on the day of the match, go and arrange the swap. I want the Honghua Sect to have nowhere to run.”

Guo Rong commanded.

“Understood!”

Zhou Ming accepted the order without hesitation.

“Excellent. With your Huxiao Sect and the Jinliu Sect joining forces, even if Cheng Hongling were Cheng Kang or Lin Ran, they’d be carried off the stage horizontally. This time, I want to see her in tears.”

Steward Cai’s smile was one of absolute confidence.

Unbeknownst to the Honghua Sect, the Immortal Alliance was scheming against them. After returning, they held a celebratory feast.

A day later, the second round of the competition commenced. With only sixteen sects remaining, only three matches were held per day. The Honghua Sect drew number seven, while their exchanged opponent was number ten, meaning their matches would be on the second day, back-to-back.

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Yet the Honghua Sect remained unworried. After all, the Jinliu Sect’s disciples had already been defeated by Cheng Hongling, and the other sect was weak. The outcome of this round seemed predetermined.

And so it was. When the Honghua Sect arrived at the Immortal Alliance’s branch the next day, the cultivators present could only pity the Quanda Sect.

The Quanda Sect, fully aware of their hopeless situation, wore grim expressions. To fight was to risk having their Dao hearts shattered. To forfeit was to abandon the rewards just within reach.

Thus, even as they stepped onto the stage, the Quanda Sect remained undecided.

“Next, match seven versus eight. Both sides, please take your positions.”

An Immortal Alliance disciple announced.

Confident in their victory, the Honghua Sect’s disciples, led by Qi Huang and Cheng Hongling, marched onto the stage with heads held high, ready to crush their opponents once more.

The Quanda Sect, however, hesitated. This decision would determine their sect’s survival.

“Who holds number eight? Step forward immediately.”

The Immortal Alliance disciple grew impatient.

The crowd turned their gazes toward the Quanda Sect, their eyes filled with pity.

The Quanda Sect’s members exchanged uneasy glances, still unable to reach a decision.

“I’ll ask one last time. Who is number eight? Failure to step forward will be treated as forfeiture.”

The disciple issued the final warning.

“Are they really going to forfeit? If they do, we won’t get to show off.”

Ruan Lingyu frowned in concern.

“Yeah, this is already the third round. We won’t get another chance to face weaker sects.”

Shen Yuan also voiced her worry.

“Fellow Daoists of the Quanda Sect, don’t be afraid! We’re actually quite weak!”

“That’s right! We’ll even fight without weapons. That way, even if you lose, it won’t be too bad. How about we also fight one-handed?”

“The path of cultivation is long and arduous. We should seize every opportunity to spar and grow together!”

The Honghua disciples, desperate to prevent a forfeit, resorted to coaxing and taunting.

“Oh? If you’re so eager for a fight, how about we give you one?”

At that moment, Elder Zhou Ming’s voice cut through the air.